Raila, a prominent Kenyan politician and former Prime Minister, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest during his morning walk on Wednesday, October 15, while receiving treatment in India. He was 80 years old.

According to a hospital spokesperson, he was rushed for emergency care but was pronounced dead at around 9:00am (Indian time).

Reports from India indicate that Raila’s daughter and other family members were by his side at the time. He had traveled to Koothattukulam in Kerala’s Ernakulam district six days earlier to undergo treatment, drawing widespread attention as mixed reports about his health began to emerge.

Speaking at an ODM event on Thursday, October 9, Raila’s brother, Oburu Odinga, confirmed that his brother was unwell and receiving treatment, but assured the public that “he was on the path of recovery.”

Oburu also dismissed claims that the former Prime Minister was in critical condition, stating that Raila had “only suffered a slight illness which forced him to seek medical attention abroad.”

Raila Odinga was a key figure in Kenyan politics, having served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and run for the presidency five times.